Hiroyuki Etō’s Magical Circle Guru-Guru 2 manga is drawing to a close, with the final volume on the horizon. This announcement marks the end of a comedic fantasy adventure that has charmed readers for over a decade, continuing the legacy of the original Magical Circle Guru-Guru series.
A Beloved Series Concludes
The 20th volume of Mahōjin Guru Guru 2 (Magical Circle Guru-Guru 2) included endnotes revealing the series’ conclusion in the next volume. This sequel to the original Mahōjin Guru Guru manga, launched in 2012, has provided fans with a fresh dose of the humor, adventure, and RPG parodies that made the first series a hit.
A Look Back at Magical Circle Guru-Guru
Magical Circle Guru-Guru is a Japanese manga series created by Hiroyuki Etō, serialized in Enix’s Monthly Shōnen Gangan from 1992 to 2003. The series gained immense popularity and was adapted into multiple anime series and a film:
- First Anime Series (1994): Covered volumes 1-4 of the manga, with some original adventures.
- Anime Film (1996)
- Second Anime Series – Doki Doki Legend (2000): Adapted volumes 5-11 of the manga.
- Remake Anime (2017)
The story follows Nike, a young boy forced into the role of a hero, and Kukuri, a magic-user from the Migu Migu tribe who uses a unique form of magic called “Guru Guru”. Together, they journey to defeat the demon lord Giri, encountering bizarre monsters, quirky characters, and plenty of RPG tropes along the way.
What Made Guru-Guru Special?
Magical Circle Guru-Guru is known for its unique blend of humor and fantasy:
- Parody of RPGs: The series playfully mocks classic RPG elements like turn-based combat, item collection, and character leveling.
- Unique Art Style: Etō’s art style is distinctive, featuring expressive characters and surreal monster designs.
- Charming Characters: Nike’s reluctant heroism and Kukuri’s earnestness create a lovable duo.
- Silly Humor: The series embraces silliness with slapstick, toilet humor, and absurd situations.
Magical Circle Guru-Guru 2: A New Chapter
Magical Circle Guru-Guru 2 picks up the story after Nike and Kukuri have defeated Lord Giri, bringing peace to the world. However, a new evil emerges, and Nike is summoned to Castle Godai, leaving Kukuri behind due to her loss of Guru Guru magic. Frustrated, Kukuri accidentally creates a new form of Guru Guru, setting the stage for a new adventure.
Guru-Guru 2 retained the charm of the original while introducing new elements:
- Continuation of the Story: The sequel expands on the world and characters established in the first series.
- New Challenges: Nike and Kukuri face new enemies and obstacles, testing their skills and friendship.
- Evolution of Humor: The sequel maintains the series’ signature humor while exploring new comedic territory.
Hiroyuki Etō: The Creative Mind Behind Guru-Guru
Hiroyuki Etō is a Japanese manga artist known for his comedic fantasy works. He debuted in 1985 and gained recognition with Magical Circle Guru-Guru.
Legacy
Magical Circle Guru-Guru has left a lasting impact on the manga and anime world, influencing other comedic fantasy series and inspiring fans with its unique charm. The series’ success can be attributed to its clever parody of RPGs, memorable characters, and lighthearted humor.
Where to experience Guru-Guru
For those looking to immerse themselves in the world of Magical Circle Guru-Guru, here are some options:
- Manga: The original Magical Circle Guru-Guru manga consists of 16 volumes. Magical Circle Guru-Guru 2 will conclude with its 21st volume.
- Anime: There are multiple anime adaptations of Magical Circle Guru-Guru, including the 1994 series, the 2000 Doki Doki Legend, and the 2017 remake.
- Online: Various platforms offer the Magical Circle Guru-Guru manga and anime for online viewing.
End of an Era
The conclusion of Magical Circle Guru-Guru 2 marks the end of an era for fans of Hiroyuki Etō’s work. While the series may be ending, the memories and laughter it has brought to readers will surely last for years to come.